Finalists announced in Touch Tomorrow in Design competition

The brief of the competition, which offered interior and industrial designers, architects and artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, was to design an innovative and functional chair for home or office use - integrating practicality with visual appeal. The judges included Roelf Mulder of ...XYZ, Sean Williams of Sean Williams Contracts and Tin Korver of Twiice Interna-tional.

Says Roelf Mulder, of the industrial design company, ...XYZ, "I was impressed with the wide variety of concepts entered in this year's brand new chair design competition. The creativity displayed with these fabulous designs is due to the innovative use of materials and unique, yet pragmatic approach taken."

According to Sean Williams of Sean Williams Contracts, "There were some great ideas which could work well and if made affordably, could sell well in our market and also perhaps the international market. I look forward to seeing the prototypes in the final round of this competition. In a few years' time, I believe we'll have young designers that can compete with the likes of Marco Maran, Jorge Pensi, Ron Arad and others. Well-known South Africa designer Sean Couzyn of Evolution has already established himself both locally and abroad with his range of tables."

Tin Korver of Twiice International says there are some exciting pieces and plans with different backgrounds and foundations. "I don't think we can identify any new trends yet, however. The upcoming South African designers need to start designing with their hearts and passion first," says Korver.

According to Gillian Elson, one of the Marketing Managers at Telkom, "We were pleasantly surprised by the entries received. We had a lot of interest and with the first prize being a fabulous trip for two to 100% Design in London later this year, the entrants exceeded our wildest expectations. Visit the Telkom Touch Tomorrow in Design exhibit at the Cape Homemakers Expo to view the prototypes of the best designs as well as this year's winners."

The 10th Cape Homemakers Expo, established as Cape Town's most successful home lifestyle exhibition, takes place from 1 to 4 September 2005 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Expo offers visitors a massive range of the very best home lifestyle products and services, and this year includes the exciting Audiovision Sound Emporium with products from the leaders in their respected fields.

The finalists are: